The New Generation of Gaming

by Da'Von B.

To get things out of the way, it makes sense that everyone company developing gaming hardware is integrating media like features (what hardware manufacturer doesn’t have Netflix integrated?). When you’re offering internet connected gaming hardware there are entertainment features you simply can’t skimp out on, but the most important of the gaming system are the actual games.

Over time gaming has dramatically changed, though I won’t bore you with yet another article of the details on how mobile gaming has evolved. With every aspect in which we consume gaming content today, and the countless sequels of franchises that just won’t end, there’s an overwhelming desire for new content, content in some cases that can be taken along when we leave the console, this is potentially something that the team over at Bungie may be integrating with their new title Destiny.

Though it’s one thing to send messages to friends within the game it’s taking things to another level to partake in mobile gameplay where you earn some type of bonus or award that you will be able to use on the console version of the game. This is one of many things gamers will look for in the new generation of gaming, whether that’s coming from Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo or someone completely new in the home console game space.

Better graphics isn’t primarily being sought after with the new generation of gaming, but also the ability to do new things that we’ve yet to imagine maybe there’s something to Microsoft’s Smartglass tech that was introduced a year ago, maybe not, their Xbox One in the guise of a modern day 2008 model Windows Media PC that they’ve announced (the design choices seem highly uninspired but hey…) left a lot of questions none of which have been answered with any clarity.

On the other end of the spectrum Sony appears to have the desire to chase after the core gamer with a significant emphasis on social integration (to be fair not everyone on Facebook cares about the games you’re playing or a video of your last fight with the three horned horse), questions remain on their approach to social integration but the ability to download PS3 games and play on the PS4 is a big thumbs up (and places me in the camp that’s ready to pre-order) and something Microsoft has clearly dropped the ball on (I’d like to replace my Xbox 360 with the Xbox One not keep both systems on hand).

Then you have Nintendo with their less than spectacular Wii U, prefer not to harp on their struggles with this new system, although the current tech seems to be on par with the PS3 and Xbox 360, the tablet control that seemed to be their bread and butter prized feature is just underwhelming and third party adoption look as though it’s waining. The only company so far that has integrated anything interesting with the touchscreen controller is Ubisoft with their title ZombiU.

Ideally Nintendo will make a splash with a wealth of first party titles due out soon for the Wii U, Mario Kart, new Super Smash Bros, Zelda, and maybe even possibly/potentially/hopefully Metroid. But it’s best not to hold your breath on this becoming a strong reality.

With E3 just around the corner we’ll find out soon enough whether these companies have a clue or simply feeding the cycle of yawn inducing regurgitation.